Nyetimber English 2009 Classic Cuvee

The concept of an English sparkling wine may be relatively new to us, but in fact these wines have a massive reputation across the water, and have been building a loyal following here in recent times. Southern England shares the same soil type that runs through Champagne, and while the temperatures are ever so slightly cooler, it is still warm enough to achieve perfect ripeness in the grapes.

Of all the sparkling wine producers in England, Nyetimber are quite possibly the best. The range is fantastic- the Classic Cuvee and Blanc de Blancs are both vintage, there is a delicious Rose, a single vineyard and even a demi-sec. They grow only the “holy trinity” of sparkling wine grapes – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Our current favourite is the 2009 Classic Cuvee! Ripe, rich and biscuity, with a lovely, lemon fresh acidity, this is not just a credible alternative to Champagne; this is a world class wine in its own right! The secret is out.

Domaine Decelle-Villa Cote de Brouilly, Burgundy, France 2012

Two outstanding winemakers – Olivier Decelle of Mas Amiel & Ch. Jean Faure, and Pierre Jean Villa from Cote Rotie and Condrieu- joined forces to create this exciting new Domaine. Having taken over an abandoned cellar in Nuits St. Georges, they started producing wines from their own plots and from bought grapes. Their style, whether from Burgundy or Beaujolais leans very much towards elegance and finesse.

Their Brouilly is classic Beaujolais at its best – beautifully perfumed with red summer fruits – think fresh strawberry and cherry – matched to a wonderfully silky texture. Soft, elegant and extremely refined, this will make you fall for Brouilly all over again.

Join us for an ely wine tasting evening and learn more about wines.
Each week a guest speaker will present a selection of wines from the given region and we’ll serve up a supper dish to match. All wine tastings take place at ely bar & brasserie and start at 7pm. See more at http://www.elywinebar.ie/about/wine-apreciation/ely-wine-tastings

Thanks to all of our brilliant suppliers, along with many of the ely favourites, we have some wonderful new wines, craft beers and ciders for you to taste.

Don’t miss the new Romanian Pinot, or the sparkling wine from Hungary. Try the Ballyhook flyer or Stonewell ciders alongside some of the finest of Irish cheeses, or the organic smoked beef from our family farm matched with some great craft beers. There will also be a fantastic selection of wines from France, Spain, Italy, Australia, Argentina, USA and beyond.

Bar manager at ely gastro bar, Barry Rowan will be plucking out some of his favourite Irish and International craft beers from ely gastro bar’s range of over 50 craft beers.

Don’t forget to make sure you get the chance to taste the Nyetimber- an English sparkling wine that rivals many a Champagne for quality.

However, the purists among you can rest easy- we’ll have some Champagne superstars there too! It’s looking like it’s going to be a beautiful day- come join us on the terrace for a glass of bubbles before, or a cleansing craft beer after!

Two outstanding wines, only one place to try them.

Following the enormous success of our last ‘Classic Wine Bar Experience’ we are very excited about this one!This summer’s Classic Wine Bar Experience features two lesser known grape varieties from a little known region in Spain. The one thing they have in common is that they are both the finest expressions of these grape varieties that we’ve ever come across. They have totally captured our imaginations as lovers of great wine and we think they will do the same for you.

Both wines usually list at €69 but we are delighted to offer them at €39Also available by the glass €9.75

Rafael Palacios ‘As Sortes’ 2010

100% Godello Biodynamic
The Godello grape, native to Galicia in north-west Spain was once close to extinction but has seen a remarkable resurgence in recent times, both in popularity and in quality.
Leading the pack is Rafael Palacios, who’s ‘As Sortes’ is surely the very pinnacle of modern Godello. This wonderfully complex wine shows classic Godello character on the nose – lemon, pear and white fruit followed by lightly toasty oak. The palate is rich and rounded- a result of maturing for 8 months on its lees- but cut through by a vibrant citrusy acidity and precise minerality.
All of these components combine beautifully for a persistent and hugely satisfying finish. This wine will compliment most fish dishes but works especially well with monkfish.

Domini do Bibei ‘Lalama’ Ribero Sacro 2008

85% Mencia, 15% Garnacha & Brancellao
Also from the Galicia region in north-west Spain, ‘Lalama’ is a blend of Mencia (85%) Garnacha and Brancellao, with vines ranging between 15 and 100yrs of age.
Mencia from old vines is now producing some extraordinary wines and this is definitely our favourite. Strikingly different to the majority of Spanish wines, this comes across more like an intriguing cross between Northern Rhone and Cote de Nuits – The savoury, spicy blackberry flavours of a great Cote Rotie, but with the silky texture and violet aromatics of a great Burgundy.
This wine spends 21 months in barrel, followed by 18 months in bottle before it is released and it is drinking perfectly now. As in right now. If you’re a fan of great Burgundy, great Rhone or just great wine you should check this out. The subtlety of flavour and natural acidity make this a perfect partner for duck.

This offer is exclusive to ely winebar, Ely Place. We have good stocks of both wines and hope they will see us through until August, but at these prices they could be gone sooner. Be sure to call in and try them for yourself!

Wines for summer – now that it’s officially here!

Vorgeschmack, Martin Arndorfer, Kamptal 2011

This unconventional wine seems to break way too many rules – A Gruner Veltliner blended with barrel fermented Riesling ??? However, one taste will dispel and doubts. The 80:20 Gruner Riesling works brilliantly – the dry, vibrant and lightly spicy Gruner is lifted by the citrus and mineral Riesling. The tiny amount of oak is almost unnoticeable – it just adds a softness to the finish. Fresh, crisp and certainly different, this is practically summer in a glass!

Domaine Decelle-Villa Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Burgundy, France 2011

Two outstanding winemakers –one from the Rhone, one from Languedoc- took over this Domaine and the results have been remarkable. This is classic Burundian Pinot at its best – beautifully perfumed with red summer fruits – think fresh strawberry and cherry – matched to a wonderfully soft, silky texture. This will remind you why you love Pinot the most……

Jean Trimbach was in ely winebar 22 Ely Place last night hosting an intimate wine tasting dinner in the new private dining room. Guest were treated to a selection for his finest wines from the classic Riesling up to the Cuvee Frederic Emile.
Standout wines from the evening included the aperitif- Muscat Reserve 2009 which was grapey, fragrant and fresh; the Riesling Reserve 2006 surprising even Jean himself – rich yet beautifully balanced despite coming from an admittedly difficult vintage. Of the two CFE Rieslings, 2005 was more forward and immediate, but for me the star was the 2004. Remarkably concentrated, yet, like all Trimbach wines, possessed with a seemingly inbuilt finesse and elegance.
The bright, minerally core gave way to fresh grapefruit and white peach on the palate, and superb length. And it has years ahead it. Last wine of the evening was the Gewurztraminer ‘Cuvee des Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre’ 2001 which was wonderfully rich and perfumed, clearly gaining in complexity over the years yet showing no signs of getting old. The wines were tasted over a dish of Organic Burren Suckling Pig with cider potatoes, celeriac and apple, and the dish brought out something different in each wine. Our thanks to Jean for sharing in an evening of good conversation, great food and wonderful wines. And singing….. we must include the singing!

Red wines of Burgundy: Thursday July 12th
Burgundy can be the most complicated of all regions- despite using only one grape!
One of Ireland’s foremost Burgundy experts Charles Derrain will present a class on navigating the minefield that is Burgundian reds- covering winemakers, villages and vintages.Where: ely bar & brasserie, IFSC @ 7pmCost €45pay here dinner included

Australia- Thursday July 26th
No country in the ‘New World’ as embraced regionality more than Australia, and the result is a new generation of wines that express distinctive, characteristics. Along with John McDonnell of Wine Australia, we will compare(and contrast!) the great wine regions of Margaret River, Victoria and Barossa.Where: ely bar & brasserie, IFSC @ 7pmCost €40pay here dinner includedGermany & Austria- Thursday August 9th
Two of the most underappreciated wine making countries in Europe will be showing off their finest exports, Riesling and Gruner Veltliner. If you’re fan of serious white wines this is one you will not want to miss.Where: ely bar & brasserie, IFSC @ 7pmCost €35 pay here dinner included

White wines of Italy: Thursday August 23rd
Italy has recently become home to some of the most exciting white wines on the market, the majority of which come from relatively unknown native grapes like Falanghina, Greco, Trebbiano, Garganega, Cortese and many others. We will cover Italy north to south, looking at the best of these wonderfully diverse wines.Where: ely bar & brasserie, IFSC @ 7pmCost €35pay here dinner included

Winemakers Dinner-Barolo and wines of Piedmont with Giuseppe Vajra… Thursday September 6th
Aldo Vajra is a traditionalist, saying that “traditional wines are more elegant, with more delicate perfumes and offering more pleasure at the table.” His wines aim not for the power found in some Barolo, but for texture, a Burgundian intensity and a purity of flavour that makes them stand out in Barolo. Join us for a tasting of these remarkable wines, which will be enjoyed-as they should be- over dinner.Where: ely winebar 22 Ely Place @ 7pmCost €60pay here dinner included

THE BIG TASTING: Friday Sept 28thely’s Big Tasting is back, and it’s bigger than ever- with over 100 wines from more than 15 countries, including classics from the old world, modern classics from the new, not to mention Champagnes, Ports, sherries and dessert wines. We will also feature artisan beers, Sheridans Cheesemongers, organic beef from our family farm, Monto’s handmade chocolates, artisan breads and more…

Each week a guest speaker will present a selection if wines from the given region and we’ll serve up a supper dish to match. All wine tastings take place at ely bar & brasserie and start at 6.45pm sharp.

From Prosecco and Cava to Champagne and beyond; an insightful look into the sparkling wines of the world, how they are made and why they are different…. and how to spot a sparkling bargain when you see one!

The wines of Alsace with Jean Trimbach: Monday July 2nd pay here
Established in1626, Trimbach are one of the legendary names in French wine. Jean Trimbach himself will be on hand to guide us through the wonderful varieties and wines of Alsace, including two vintages of one of France’s greatest white wines- Cuvee Frederic Emile Riesling.

No country in the ‘New World’ as embraced regionality more than Australia, and the result is a new generation of wines that express distinctive, characteristics. Along with John McDonnell of Wine Australia, we will compare(and contrast!) the great wine regions of Margaret River, Victoria and Barossa.

Two of the most underappreciated wine making countries in Europe will be showing off their finest exports, Riesling and Gruner Veltliner. If you’re fan of serious white wines this is one you will not want to miss.

Italy has recently become home to some of the most exciting white wines on the market, the majority of which come from relatively unknown native grapes like Falanghina, Greco, Trebbiano, Garganega, Cortese and many others. We will cover Italy north to south, looking at the best of these wonderfully diverse wines.

Aldo Vajra is a traditionalist, saying that “traditional wines are more elegant, with more delicate perfumes and offering more pleasure at the table.” His wines aim not for the power found in some Barolo, but for texture, a Burgundian intensity and a purity of flavour that makes them stand out in Barolo. Join us for a tasting of these remarkable wines, which will be enjoyed-as they should be- over dinner.

Time: All tastings start at 7pm and take place in ely bar & brasserie, IFSC unless otherwise stated. All wine tasting evenings include supper, which will be chosen to complement the wines being tasted.

The Old World v New World tasting took place last night in ely winebar.

24 enthusiasts arrived at 7pm delighted for the excuse to learn and, ahem, drink delicious wines on a Monday evening! Start as you mean to go on was the motto as Michele Jordan introduced the white wines of the evening.

WHITES
First up we looked at a grape native to Sardinia and Corsica but grown across Tuscany called Vermentino. Poggiotondo Bianco, made by the very talented winemaker Alberto Antonini is bright and zippy with delicate floral hints. The perfect summer wine! We compared this to it’s Aussie counterpart a Vermentino grown in McLaren Vale. McLaren Vale is tempered by the sea breezes and produces wines with real finesse. Mitolo Vermentino is no exception. At 10% alcohol and light in body it is extremely refreshing, as a drink in its own right and as a wine style coming from the hot climes of Australia.

Round two was a comparison of Sauvignon Blanc from Australia, New Zealand and France. Everyone at the tasting had tried many a Sauvignon Blanc but couldn’t hide their delight at comparing the 3 key styles. Sancerre is an appellation in Loire, France that produces the archetypal Sauvignon Blanc: lean and focused with great minerality and green fruit whilst the Delta Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough jumped out of the glass with its tropical fruit aromas and brilliant intensity. Australia’s interpretation was easily the winner of the evening. Made in the Adelaide Hills by Shaw and Smith, it was definitely one of the stars of the evening. Restrained and elegant with a full creamy texture and appley fruit aromatics. It sat perfectly in between France and New Zealand. Unusual for an Australia to retain all the subtle aromatics of Sauvignon Blanc and the tasters couldn’t help but be enamoured by the whole package.

REDS
The red flights included Pinot Noir from Australia, France and New Zealand and an extremely interesting comparison of Sangiovese made in its home town of Chianti, Italy and also in Heathcote, Australia. Interestingly there was no clear favourite in either comparison. Domaine Lafarge ‘s Volnay was the lightest in body with savoury aromas and dark cherries, New Zealand’s offering was Delta’s Hatters Hill Pinot. I have tasted this wine many a time and last night it was truly delicious. The 2008 vintage has really come out of its shell with yummy fresh summer fruit and undertones of spice. Yummy YUMMY. The last in the flight was Shaw and Smith’s Pinot Noir from the Adelaide Hills. Denser in colour and driven more by sweet fruit than savoury spice it is the most full-bodied of the three.

Most people love the taste of Chianti without ever knowing what the magic ingredient is that makes it so delicious – the grape Sangiovese! Widely grown across the Tuscan hills it produces wines with cherry and raspberry aromas, herbaceous tones, refreshing acidity and ripe tannins. Good Chianti is a wonderful thing and we experienced two delicious interpretations last night. Poggiotondo Chianti Superiore and Greenstone Sangiovese. My preference is for the richer, full bodied Aussie number which had aged well with soft fine tannins and lots of fruit whist other liked the softer and more delicate Italian one.